The Jairos Jiri Children Centre in Harare has received a major boost after the installation of a new US$12 000 solar power system, funded by a Chinese company.
The donation, handed over by Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe Mr Zhou Ding today, included educational materials, computers, food supplies and other goods worth thousands of dollars.
Installed by Jiangsu Fanye Power Energy Equipment company, the solar photovoltaic system is designed to provide consistent, clean energy to the entire facility, which serves almost 200 children with disabilities.
Speaking at the handover ceremony, Ambassador Zhou said the donation is part of the broader, enduring partnership between Zimbabwe and his country.
“Today, we gather not only to deliver donations, but to celebrate the enduring friendship and deepening partnership between China and Zimbabwe,” Ambassador Zhou said.
He highlighted China’s historical contributions to Zimbabwe’s development in infrastructure, trade, and social programmes.
Linking education to national progress, Ambassador Zhou expressed confidence that Zimbabwe could replicate China’s own journey from poverty to growth.
“We believe education is fundamental to this progress,” he said.
The donation targets one of Zimbabwe’s oldest and most respected institutions for disabled persons. Ambassador Zhou commended the Jairos Jiri Association for its six-decade commitment to empowerment through education, training and healthcare.
Ambassador Zhou noted that similar Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives are being undertaken by various Chinese enterprises across Zimbabwe, including drilling boreholes, building clinics and repairing irrigation systems.